afterMinnesota's Karl Erickson (Zumbro Falls, Minn./Rochester Century HS) was named Big Ten Athlete of the Week for March 24 after a pair of first-place finishes at the Baldy Castillo Invitational in Tempe, Ariz., last weekend.

In Minnesota's first meet of the outdoor season, Erickson took first in the discus with a throw of 186-1 and in the shot put with a mark of 63-7 3/4. The sophomore also qualified in both events for NCAA regional competition.

Last year Erickson took the 2002 Outdoor Big Ten discus title with a throw of 184-11 and placed sixth in the shot with a mark of 55-9 1/4. He broke the Minnesota freshman shot record in 2002 with a toss of 57-7, placing first at the Last Chance Meet.